Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has aired her thoughts on a growing trend in the Nigerian music scene—established artists launching record labels just to sign newcomers without genuine commitment.
In a candid chat with VJ Adams, Simi expressed concern about artists treating label ownership as a status symbol rather than a serious business or mentorship platform.
“I can sign an artist,” she said, “but I think that it’s not fair when an artist signs another artist just as a milestone. Because for that artist, it’s just a passion project for them and not necessarily to accomplish a goal. But then, that’s someone’s life.”
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Leave It to the Professionals
Simi argued that the music business demands more than casual interest. According to her, only those with real passion for the business side of music should venture into signing others.
“The only people that should sign artists are people who really have passion for music business. So that whether or not the artist is thriving at the moment, they will still believe in the artist. Whether or not the song you thought would blow didn’t blow—are you willing to keep going?”
She emphasized that developing an artist is more than a vanity project—it’s a long-term investment in someone’s life and dreams.
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Personal Reflection
Drawing from her own experience, Simi shared how seriously she took being signed early in her career and how much she valued being taken seriously.
“That was the way I saw myself when I was getting signed—‘How do you see me? Am I just a box you are ticking or is it as important to you as it is to me?’”
She admitted that while she could mentor rising stars, she’s not sure she has the consistent drive or energy to manage an artist full-time.
“It takes a lot. I don’t know if I have that passion, that drive to see someone through.”
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A Wake-Up Call for Artist-Label Owners?
Simi’s remarks come at a time when more Nigerian celebrities are launching labels and signing talents—sometimes with limited structure or long-term strategy. Her comments serve as a reminder that talent development is not a side hustle, but a responsibility that can make or break an artist’s career.
In an industry where mentorship is crucial, Simi’s honesty is both refreshing and necessary.
